Project information

Writers in Translation

We want to support and promote literature in translation here in the UK. We celebrate books of outstanding literary value, dedication to free speech and intercultural understanding, helping to increase readerships for international literature and enrich our literary culture.

Charity information: English PEN

Need

There is a shockingly small amount of translated literature published in this country. We believe that this leads to cultural stagnation and does not accurately reflect the diverse world in which we live. It often costs more to publish a book in translation, with the result that there is less money available to promote and market the title. We aim to address this problem in particular.

Solution

We provide support, in the form of financial grants, to help UK publishers with the promotion and marketing of books in translation. In association with the publisher, we devise a promotional strategy designed to increase public awareness of the title and of translated literature more generally.

Impact

Writers in Translation will help to increase readerships for translated literature in this country.
Success will be attracting audiences of >50 to author events, and increasing book sales of titles supported by the programme.

Risk

Occasionally there is a risk that the grant money cannot be used as envisaged - for example, if an author is unable to travel to the UK to take part in promotional events. In this case, we would work with the publisher to devise an alternative strategy to promote the book using other means.

Reporting

Writers in Translation reports on its activities in a regular bulletin.

Location

Free Word Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3GA

Beneficiaries

Writers from around the world will benefit from having their work reach wider audiences. Readers in the UK will have the chance to attend events with authors who may not otherwise have been able to travel to the UK. Raising the profile of translated literature will benefit readers across the UK through the introduction of new voices and stories.

Why Us?

English PEN occupies a unique position as the world's oldest human rights organisation and international literary organisation, working with a huge range of literary, social and political networks. We are well placed to reach out to new audiences and to promote literary translation through diverse channels.